Purpose and Philosophy
The principle purpose of the intern program is to assist students in making an effective transition from the classroom to the professional Recreation world. It is designed to give student the opportunity to explore the parks and recreation field and to discover where their specific interests lie.

The Recreation Services Department’s goal is to assist the intern through practical experience to become a professional; capable of securing a full-time position in the parks and recreation field.

Internship Opportunities
There are nine areas within Broomfield Recreation Services wherein an intern may gain experience:

Athletics - An intern will gain experience in the scheduling and programming of athletic leagues and teams. Responsibilities will include supervising leagues, scheduling leagues, formation of youth sports teams, assisting with training clinics for youth sports, public relations, customer service, special events planning, administration and payroll. There may be employment opportunities during your internship.

Aquatics - An intern will gain experience in programming and administration of aquatic programs and facilities including pool maintenance and operations. Responsibilities include learning and working with swim lessons and other aquatic programs, scheduling, supervising lifeguards and instructors, training, public relations, risk management, marketing, purchasing, and payroll. Positions are available year-round. There is a summer position for the Outdoor Aquatic Park.

Cultural / General Interest - An intern will gain experience in programming and administration of general interest programs; such as Early Learning, arts and crafts classes, family nature walks, music and dance instruction, and various other contractual programs. Responsibilities include administering contracts and payments, facility booking, evaluation of programs and instructors, hiring, purchasing and payroll. Intern responsibilities include implementing existing programs; as well as contributing ideas and information for new programs. Positions are available year-round.

Facilities - An intern will gain experience in multiple areas of a recreation facility, focusing on day-to-day operations. Responsibilities will include front desk operations, scheduling of staff and events, supervising and evaluating staff members, public relations, risk management, maintenance, payroll, budget, and other duties as assigned. Positions are available year-round.

Fitness - An intern will gain experience in programming and administration of group fitness and personal training. Responsibilities will include marketing, programming, scheduling, supervising and evaluating instructors and programs, risk management, purchasing, payroll, training, co-teaching and running special events.

Seniors - Interns will gain experience in the scheduling and programming senior fitness classes, special events, general interest classes and day trips. Responsibilities include supervising volunteers, overseeing programs and special events, supervising day trips, public relations, customer service, working on the Senior Services Team and administration. There may be employment opportunities during the internship. Positions are available year-round.

Special Events - An intern will assist with the implementation and coordination of special events; developing skills in multitasking, negotiating contracts, budget decisions, and coordinating with multiple outside agencies, intra-departmental personnel and volunteers, while overseeing actual events. Positions are available year-round.

Therapeutic - An intern will gain experience in a community based therapeutic program supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. The internship will include experience in developing, programming, implementing and evaluating programs and activities. During the internship he/she will work with a variety of individuals with disabilities including those with developmental disabilities, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, visual impairments, closed head injuries, spina bifida and more. Responsibilities of the intern are to lead and assist in a wide variety of programs. Positions are available year-round.

Youth and Teens - An intern will gain experience in planning, programming, and supervising Youth and Teen programs including but not limited to Day Camp activities (dependent on time of year: Winter Camp, Summer Day Camp, or Spring Break Camp), field trips, and teen trips. Responsibilities will include supervising Day Camp staff and participants, scheduling trips and daily activities, formation of camp groups, assisting with budget planning and inventories, public relations, customer service, special events planning, administration and payroll. There may be employment opportunities during your internship.

The intern will also gain knowledge and skills related to the administration and operation of recreation centers, an outdoor Aquatic Park (summer internship only), joint-use agreements with area school districts and participation in the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association.

Supervision is a key to a successful internship program. Broomfield Recreation Services is able to assume full responsibility for the supervision of the intern. Each of the current supervisory staff has at least ten years of experience in the field of recreation. Each remains open to new ideas and creative ways to program activities and manage facilities.